Have stress fracture - now what?

I started walking on the treadmill about 6 weeks ago. I thought I was doing great! I've lost weight, and was actually starting to enjoy exercising. I've developed a stress fracture in the 5th metatarsal (sp?) and am having to wear a 'boot cast'. I'm so bummed about this. Isn't walking supposed to be good for you? What kind of exercise should I do now? Should I avoid the treadmill in the future? Thanks in advance for your advice.

Have stress fracture - now what?home theatre

Walking is wonderful, but your bones are important too. Heal, then branch out.. Consider either (or both) swimming or biking. The reclining bikes are not bad at all, %26amp; neither wiil overly stress your feet. Maybe you could start out walking for 2 minutes, then go to the bike, %26amp; just gradually increase the walk time. Also, take your calcium!! My mom had the same problems, so I started on the calcium very early, %26amp; so far, its good. Also doing some weight lifting will help strengthen bones--not heavy weights, under 5# will do. Just don't give up %26amp; quit--that is the worst thing you could do..

Have stress fracture - now what?ballet theater opera theater

Rowing machine or exercise bike - although you have a stress fracture you can still apply pressure to your calcaneum (heel) when cycling. This will keep the blood flow through the area so you won't get osteoporotic waiting for the fracture to heal. A little unorthodox, but hey - it works.
I've had stress fractures before. I had to wear my boot for about 3 months in the dead heat of summer years back. I was stupid %26amp; didn't wear shoes while exercising at home. I think I was doing a lot of jumping jacks. The bone specialist said some gals get recurring ones from exercising, usually runners. Now I have to always get shoes with excellent cushioning %26amp; they can be hard to find. Skechers makes some hiking boots/casual looking that have a thick sole %26amp; my feet feel fine after a long day of walking. Reebok DMX with the airflow cushioning works well for me too but I think they are discontinuing them. Figures.

I remember the stares from people as I shopped. Like I was part alien with my boot on. It only went up to my knee %26amp; my skin isn't green!

Overall, I'd say, take it easy for now, ice your foot up %26amp; let it heal (mine took longer than usual). Get great supporting shoes %26amp; don't overdo the exercising.

Good luck %26amp; hope your foot heals fast!
hmmm.
Some gyms have a machine for people who cant use their legs normally or have injuries that would make other machines problematic. You use your hands in the same motion that you would use for a stationary bike.

I broke my right foot in 7 places cuz I was using an elliptical the wrong way. I needed to get much more supportive shoes too.

Good luck.